Beausoleil First Nation to host panel discussion

Midland Mirror

CHRISTIAN ISLAND – Members of First Nation and other communities are being invited to Christian Island this Saturday to hear a panel of speakers discuss recent legislative changes affecting native rights.
The panel will focus on the political, spiritual and historical impacts of legislation like the federal government’s budget implementation bill (Bill C-45).
The event is not affiliated with the Idle No More movement that has galvanized opposition to the omnibus bill; organizers said the day is designed to bring people together for a day of learning, sharing and pride.
Speakers will include: Rev. Theresa Burnett-Cole of Christian Island United Church; Jim Dumont, a respected elder and Eastern Doorway Chief of the Three Fires Midewiwin Lodge; Jeff Monague, former chief of Beausoleil First Nation and a Georgian College teacher; Hayden King, a Beausoleil First Nation member and assistant professor at Ryerson and McMaster universities; and Mark Calzavara, the Ontario organizer for the Council of Canadians, an activist group.
Topics on the agenda include media representation of First Nations, the impacts of omnibus bills on Beausoleil First Nation, and Bill C-45’s effects on water and the environment.
The community engagement session will take place at 2 p.m. at the recreation centre. A potluck dinner will take place afterwards.
For more information, contact Vicki Monague at vickimonague@gmail.com or 705-529-8796. A ferry schedule and fares can be found at www.chimnissing.ca.